Jacksonville Giants win ABA title in thriller

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Giants defeated the North Dallas Vandals on Sunday night, 110-109, to sweep the best-of-three ABA Championship series and win their second consecutive ABA Title.

Jermaine Bell led all in scoring with 23 points to go along with 9 rebounds. Guards Ed Horton and Currye Todd both scored 22 points in the Giants winning effort.

The Giants took a 58-41 lead into the locker room at halftime.

After taking a 21 point lead in the third quarter, the Giants went scoreless the first five and a half minutes of the 4th quarter while the Vandals went on a 17 point run where they tied the game at 93.

Anthony Jackson hit a 3-point shot with 1:45 remaining to give the Giants a 1-point lead 108-107. Down by one with three and a half seconds remaining the Vandals had an opportunity to win the game. Forward Djibril Thiam shot a two point basket just after time expired, and although the shot went in, the refs had determined he had released the ball after time expired.

Giants Ed Horton and Currye Todd were named to the ABA Final 4 Team. Giants Guard Tony Hooper was Named Final Four MVP.

The Giants won the first game in the series 85-84 April 13th at UNF ARENA.

The Giants have now won consecutive ABA titles after sweeping the South Carolina Warriors last season in St. Petersburg, FL. Jermaine Bell, Currye Todd, Anthony Jackson and Matt Fields are the only members of both Championship teams. This is the Giants 2nd ABA Championship in 3 years of existence. The Giants are now 4-0 in ABA Championship games.